Week 5 is in the books, and a full month of NBA action is now officially in the rearview.
We take a look at which players are rising and which are slipping ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock: In Emirates NBA Cup Group Play, the Magic take on the 76ers at 8pm ET, followed by Clippers and the Lakers at 11 pm ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
A slower start to the season could have been anticipated for Reid, but he’s been significantly more productive over the past couple of weeks. He’s averaging 17.5 points,7.3 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers since the middle of the month, with a couple of huge performances sprinkled in. He offers a high ceiling almost every time he steps on the floor, given his shooting and scoring versatility at the position. What continues to stop Reid from really taking off is the fact that he plays behind a productive starting frontcourt. Still, he’s a double-double threat each time he takes the floor, with the potential to take a leap should an opportunity present itself for Reid to log more minutes over an extended period. Regardless, he’s a nice depth option at his position in fantasy leagues.
Andre Drummond - C, 76ers
Given Drummond’s track record as a big-time rebounder and play finisher around the rim, and Joel Embiid’s struggles to stay on the floor, it's easy to be sold on Drummond’s potential moving forward. He won’t consistently secure north of 20 rebounds, as he did in the Sixers’ most recent game against the Heat when he totaled 24 boards. However, it’s not far-fetched to imagine that the veteran center will pull in numbers that rival his November averages of 10.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game — in seven starts this season, those numbers jump to 12.0 points and 14.0 rebounds. Drummond is rostered in fewer than half of Yahoo! leagues currently. He could serve as a reliable roster addition for those fantasy managers looking for rebounding and field-goal percentage.
I’m here for the Ayo Dosunmu takeover. He’s been a good player throughout his career, but he’s been at his best this season from a production standpoint, and it’s been fun to follow. He’s averaging a career-high in points per game despite his production coming in his fewest minutes per game since his sophomore season. Everything is trending in the right direction for Dosunmu at the moment: He’s fresh off a season-high 28 points in the Bulls’ most recent game, has scored at least 20 points in three of the past five games, and has started the last three. Finding a way to consistently contribute in other ways aside from scoring will take his fantasy value to the next level. Still, stock up.
Since his career-best 33-point, 19-rebound performance in Sacramento against the Kings earlier in November, Hartenstein’s numbers haven’t necessarily popped. He’s averaged a modest 11.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in the eight games that followed, which are fine, but nothing breathtaking. Surely he’s remained an impactful player for the Thunder, as they continue to win games and prove they are the best team in the league. But when examining the recent numbers from the point of view of a fantasy basketball manager, it’s easy to want more production.
Jaren Jackson Jr. - PF, C, Grizzlies
It’s been a strange season in Memphis, and it's made for unspectacular fantasy production for some of their top guys. Ja Morant’s struggles were highlighted in one of our most recent pieces, so now we turn our production to the next decorated player. Jackson Jr.’s scoring has dipped, the defensive stats from a blocks and steals standpoint are no longer special, and rebounding remains a part of his game that hasn’t developed. But what’s been most notable to me is how the former DPOY and player with superstar potential hasn’t been able to elevate his game in the absence of other star players around him. He’s made it to the 20-point mark three times this season, and has yet to reach double figures as a rebounder. From a strictly fantasy standpoint, I’ve been waiting for the numbers to pop — such a thing doesn’t appear imminent.
Joel Embiid - C, 76ers
Embiid has missed the last seven Sixers games, but even when he eventually makes his return, there’s no telling how productive he’ll be, or what his workload will look like. The former league MVP is averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time in his career and is pulling down a career-low 5.5 rebounds on average. Getting through the regular season in good health for a playoff run likely is the priority for Embiid and the Sixers’ organization alike. And with the group playing solid basketball in his absence, he may have a bit more time to trust the process. However, those fantasy managers who have Embiid on their roster should consider picking up Andre Drummond as an insurance option.
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani plans to play for Japan in next year’s World Baseball Classic, the two-way Los Angeles Dodgers star announced on social media Monday night.
Ohtani helped Japan win the 2023 WBC, striking out then-Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the championship game against the United States. He was named MVP of the tournament.
Ohtani won his fourth MVP award this month, shortly after he helped the Dodgers win their second straight World Series title. He returned to the mound this season after not pitching in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
In the postseason, he had arguably the best game in major league history, striking out 10 batters and hitting three homers as the Dodgers completed a four-game NL Championship Series sweep of Milwaukee.
Ohtani did not specify in his post whether he plans to pitch for Japan in the WBC, which begins on March 5.
One thing that has been shown over the last few years is that if there is an elite player available in free agency, the Mets are at least going to try to be involved. Sometimes they will land that player, like Juan Soto, and other times they won’t, like Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
There are few things as exciting in the hot stove season as blockbuster signings or trades. And there will be plenty of written and spoken words about some of the top-tier talent on the market, such as Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.
However, the best organizations are the ones that excel at the margins. Star players certainly are needed and are important, but extracting value from the middle parts of a roster is how a complete team is put together.
This is something the Mets excelled at in 2024, with Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Jose Iglesias, and eventually Jesse Winker among those who provided big value.
There wasn’t that same level of success in 2025, with Clay Holmes, Brooks Raley and Griffin Canning (prior to his injury) standing out as wins for the Mets.
While fans will surely celebrate the big moves that are made this offseason, the under-the-radar additions should not be discounted.
Here are five under-the-radar free agents the Mets should pursue this winter...
RHP Emilio Pagán
This might be the least under-the-radar of the names you will read on this list.
The 34-year-old Pagán posted a 2.88 ERA in 70 games with 28 saves as the Reds' closer in 2025. He struck out 81 batters in 68.2 innings and posted a 0.92 WHIP.
The Mets currently do not have a closer, and this isn’t necessarily advocating signing Pagán in that role. Re-signing Diazis the top option, with names like Robert Suarez or Devin Williams as potential fallback options.
The Mets need, in the words of David Stearns, "multiple relievers."
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagan (15) throws against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park / Aaron Doster - Imagn Images
Beyond the closer role, the Mets have Raley, A.J. Minter, and Huascar Brazóban as established relievers in the bullpen -- that’s it.
Pagán hasn’t historically been a closer, so a move to a setup role on a contender could appeal to him.
This past year he had a plus strikeout rate of 30 percent and a near average walk rate of 8.1 percent. Pagán averaged 96 mph on his fastball that he threw over 61 percent of the time, and graded as a plus pitch with +9 run value.
His best secondary pitch is a mid-80s splitter that generated a 40.7 percent whiff rate -- and batters hit only .121 against it.
It is unlikely Pagán will command more than a two-year deal, and as a setup man, he could make an overhauled Mets bullpen deeper and more secure.
RHP Nick Martinez
Martinez had an excellent 2024 season with the Reds, posting a 3.10 ERA in 42 appearances (16 starts).
This led to him receiving and accepting the qualifying offer to return to Cincinnati in 2025.
The 35-year-old didn’t have quite the same success, with a 4.45 ERA in 40 appearances (26 starts) across 165.2 innings.
Where Martinez brings value is his Swiss-army knife-like versatility as a pitcher. He can be a starter, he can be a standard reliever, and he can be a swing-man.
He is not the hardest thrower -- he will average just around 93 mph on his fastball and throw the kitchen sink with six pitches, according to Statcast.
Martinez’s game is based on throwing strikes, missing barrels and avoiding hard contact. He is not someone who can be relied on for a lot of swing-and-miss, as he routinely has had a below-average strikeout rate.
After a 2025 season where the Mets starters struggled to provide length, a pitcher like Martinez could have help bridge the gap in some of those games.
He could be an option on a one-year deal to help fill quite literally whatever role it is that the Mets wanted him to.
RHP Zach Eflin
The Mets are likely to be in pursuit of starting pitching help closer to the top of the trade and free agent market.
In 2025, New York's starting pitching fell off after May. Part of that was the fact that they more or less ran out of starters due to injuries.
Even if the Mets do acquire a frontline starter, veteran depth at the back end is something they also need.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards / Reggie Hildred - Imagn Images
The 31-year-old Eflin pitched through back discomfort in 2025, which led to his least productive season in nearly a decade, posting a 5.93 ERA in 71.1 innings. He eventually underwent back surgery, but is expected to be full-go for spring training.
In 2023 and 2024, he combined to make 59 starts, posting a 3.54 ERA while averaging 171 innings per season.
Eflin is one of the best strike-throwers in baseball, ranking in the 98th percentile or better in walk percentage each of the last three seasons. When he is right, he throws six pitches that generate plus chase rate numbers and keeps the ball on the ground with weak contact. And the Mets have upgraded their infield defense with the addition of Marcus Semien.
If his back checks out on a physical, Eflin could fit in as a No. 4, borderline No. 3 type of starter that -- depending on how all the puzzle pieces of the Mets rotation fit -- could be an option as a second starter added.
OF Rob Refsnyder
After the trade of Brandon Nimmo, the Mets have two holes in the outfield that need to be filled.
The left-handed hitting Benge improved against left-handed pitching as the 2025 campaign wore on. He ultimately hit .232 with a .733 OPS against southpaws, but it is not abnormal for a young player to have platoon splits.
However, it could be in the Mets' best interest to pair Benge with a right-handed hitter, at least early in his career.
/ SNY
There are few hitters in baseball that hit left-handed pitching the way the 35-year-old Refsnyder does.
In 138 plate appearances against left-handed pitching in 2025, Refsnyder hit .302 with a .959 OPS with seven home runs and 25 RBI. He can consistently find the barrel and posts plus exit velocity and hard-hit rates.
If a one-year sample size isn’t enough, in 2024 he posted very similar numbers, hitting .302 with a .941 OPS with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 145 plate appearances against lefties.
Refsnyder is a tick below-average defensively, grading out at -1 OAA for range, though he does have a plus arm -- with his arm strength grading above the 80th percentile in each of the last three seasons.
He has played exclusively in the corner outfield spots the last few seasons, but has some experience playing first base as well.
The Mets could do a whole lot worse than a Benge/Refsnyder platoon situation in a corner outfield spot.
RHP Jacob Webb
Webb was non-tendered by the Rangers last week after posting a 3.00 ERA in 55 games out of the bullpen.
He has quietly been a consistent reliever the last three years, posting a combined 3.22 ERA in 176.1 innings and striking out 173. His strikeout rate did drop some in 2025 at 21.7 percent, which is just below average.
He has often outperformed his expected ERA, but if a pitcher does that three years in a row, that can’t just be luck.
While his fastball averaged just 93.4 mph, it graded out as a plus pitch with a plus-7 run value grade as he gets some good ride on it. Opposing batters only hit .186 against the heater. Webb's mid-80s changeup was his best swing-and-miss pitch, generating a whiff rate of over 35 percent as opposing batters hit just .208 against it. His sweeper did not grade out as well as it did in 2024, so perhaps this is something that can be tweaked by new pitching coach Justin Willard.
Webb might profile best as a middle reliever. But while the Mets need to fill out the end of games as mentioned above, they also need middle relief help. Webb could be a value add in that role, likely on a one-year deal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered this
week sitting last in the Eastern Conference standings.
Before reaching that lowly position,
they were already the subject of speculation about whether a trade
could reverse their fortunes.
Several players, including defenseman
Brandon Carlo and forwards Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson,
Bobby McMann and Dakota Joshua, were floated as potential trade
candidates.
Jonas Siegel of The Athletic recently
examined those candidates. He felt that Carlo and Domi could deliver
the type of return management would seek to impact the
roster.
Of the pair, Siegel felt Carlo the
easiest to move. He acknowledged the 28-year-old blueliner was off to
a slow start before being sidelined by a lower-body injury. However,
Carlo is a right-shot defenseman, and those blueliners are currently
coveted around the league.
Carlo is in the fifth season of a
six-year contract. The Leafs carry $3.485 million of his $4.1-million
cap hit, which could make him enticing for cap-strapped teams seeking
an affordable top-four defenseman.
Siegel also pointed out the downside of
trading Carlo for the Leafs. They gave up a first-round pick and
prospect Fraser Minten to get him from the Boston Bruins, meaning
they'd have to get something comparable in return. Moving him now
would also leave a big hole on the right side of their defense corps.
Carlo might draw more interest closer
to the March 6 NHL trade deadline. Given the Leafs' current position,
that move would come too late to save their season. By that point,
they would be sellers instead of buyers.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Penguins
could soon have a crowded crease once Tristan Jarry returns from
injury, joining Arturs Silovs and promising Sergei Murashov.
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now
believes the Penguins could use more scoring. He wondered if they
would move one of their goalies for a return that would help them
address their offensive needs.
Jarry's recent injury, inconsistent
play and $5.375-million cap hit through 2027-28 (with a 12-team no-trade
list) make him difficult to move in the trade market. Murashov has
shown potential as a future starter, so he's not going anywhere. That
could leave Silovs as the odd man out.
The Penguins gave up a fourth-round
pick to acquire Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks in July. Kingerski
wondered if his solid play this season might fetch a second-rounder,
which could be used to add a scoring forward.
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And when Mazzulla was asked about Queta’s status after Tuesday’s practice at the Auerbach Center, he played mysteriously coy.
“I haven’t seen him,” Mazzulla told reporters, before repeating that phrase when asked if Queta had gone through practice. When asked a third time if he had any update on Queta’s outlook, the Celtics head coach responded:
“I haven’t seen him or spoken to him.”
Less than an hour after Mazzulla spoke, however, Queta strolled through the Auerbach Center court.
What seems likely is that Queta didn’t participate in practice, and could have been getting treatment on his ankle while the Celtics were practicing. But it’s still a bit odd that Mazzulla claimed he had no communication with Queta before or during practice.
The C’s will put out an injury report later in the day Tuesday, so we should have more clarity on Queta’s status shortly.
Queta has made an outsized impact on winning for Boston this season, averaging 9.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game as the Celtics’ starting center. The C’s are outscoring opponents by an average of 16.4 points per 100 possessions when Queta is on the floor, which is the best mark on the team.
If Queta can’t play Wednesday against the 15-2 Pistons, Mazzulla could insert backup big man Luka Garza into the starting lineup to contend with Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and a physical Detroit frontcourt. Mazzulla also could opt for a “small ball” lineup that features Josh Minott as a big, or lean on depth options Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher.
Tip-off for Celtics-Pistons is set for 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Romanov will be out five to six months due to a right shoulder injury, which will require surgery. His regular season is likely over, with the potential for him to return for the playoffs still up in the air.
However, despite their upcoming longer-term absences, the Islanders have yet to place either on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
Per the NHL CBA, a player who is placed on LTIR must miss 10 games and 24 days. We know Romanov fits that bill, but maybe, maybe Pageau doesn't.
Pageau, if placed on LTIR, would be eligible to return on Dec. 19 against the Vancouver Canucks.
And because a team can place a player LTIR retroactively, there's no rush.
The biggest reason why is because it's like a credit card.
Do you need a $100 million credit card limit? No. It’s useless to add more money to LTIR if you don’t even need LTIR. They placed Engvall on LTIR because they may need to use it. They already di,d but never came close to using it, outside of the Marshall Warren recall.
As of this moment, with prospect Marshall Warren back in Bridgeport, the Islanders are accruing cap space since they are no longer dipping into Pierre Engvall's LTIR relief -- $3 million.
MLB free agency is much more like a marathon than a sprint.
In leagues like the NBA and NFL, the start of free agency typically coincides with a flurry of activity.
But the activity in MLB free agency tends to be spread out over the course of the winter. Look no further than last offseason, when Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman didn’t strike deals until February.
So, with hot stove season underway, here’s an updated look at the best remaining MLB free agents (this list will be updated as free agents sign; players listed alphabetically by last name):
Luis Arráez, 1B, San Diego Padres
Luis Arráez. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Luis Arráez, 28, continued to be a singles machine in 2025, with 139 of his 181 hits being base hits. While the three-time batting champion didn’t record a .300-plus batting average for the first time since 2021, his .292 average still tied for 12th-best in the majors. And Arráez, who slashed .292/.327/.392 with eight homers, 61 RBI and 11 steals in 154 games, tied for the second-most hits in all of baseball. He had the lowest strikeout percentage in the majors (3.1%), but also tied for the 10th-worst walk percentage (5%). In the field, Arráez tied for third-worst among first basemen in outs above average at minus-7.
Harrison Bader, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Harrison Bader‘s age-31 campaign was the best offensive season of his career, as he split time between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. He posted career highs in hits (124), doubles (24), home runs (17), RBI (54) and OPS (.796) while slashing .277/.347/.449 across 146 games. Bader also tied for 18th among outfielders in outs above average (plus-7).
Chris Bassitt, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Chris Bassitt logged at least 30 starts for the fourth straight season. The 36-year-old recorded a 3.96 ERA, 166 strikeouts and 52 walks in 170.1 innings pitched over 31 starts and 32 total appearances. While Bassitt brought down his 1.462 WHIP from 2024, he still tied for ninth-worst in that category at 1.327.
Cody Bellinger, OF, New York Yankees
Cody Bellinger. (Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)
Cody Bellinger, 30, declined his $25 million player option following a strong debut season in the Bronx. The 2019 NL MVP hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 13 steals. Bellinger, who made his most appearances since 2019 with 152, tied for 18th among outfielders in outs above average (plus-7).
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Bo Bichette. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
Bo Bichette, 27, was back to his old self at the dish following a 2024 season where he posted a .598 OPS while being limited to 81 games due to injuries. The two-time All-Star hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 homers and 94 RBI in 139 games. He tied for the second-most hits (181) and second-best batting average in the majors, while also tallying the second-most doubles (44). Bichette, however, tied for last among shortstops in outs above average at minus-13. Bichette declined the qualifying offer from Toronto.
Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Bregman opted out of two years and $80 million remaining on the deal he signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason. The 31-year-old is coming off his first All-Star campaign since 2019, hitting .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in 114 games. Bregman, who missed extended time with a quad injury, tied for ninth among third baseman in outs above average at plus-3.
Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Pete Fairbanks. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays declined a $7 million club option on Pete Fairbanks, allowing the right-hander to hit the open market. Fairbanks, who turns 32 in December, logged career highs in appearances (61), innings (60.1) and saves (27 in 32 chances) last season. He had a 2.83 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.044 WHIP.
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen. (Joe Rondone-Imagn Images)
Zac Gallen, who declined the qualifying offer, hit free agency on the heels of a subpar 2025 campaign. The 30-year-old hadn’t recorded an ERA higher than 3.65 since 2021, but saw that figure balloon to 4.83 across 192 innings last season. In 33 starts, Gallen posted 175 strikeouts, 66 walks and a 1.260 WHIP. He tied for the fourth-most homers allowed among all pitchers with 31.
Adolis García, OF, Texas Rangers
Adolis García. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
The Texas Rangersdidn’t tenderAdolis García, 32, a contract, allowing the 2023 ALCS MVP to hit free agency. After hitting 39 homers with an .836 OPS in Texas’ 2023 championship campaign, García has recorded two consecutive sub-.700 OPS seasons at the dish. He hit .227/.271/.394 with 19 home runs, 75 RBI and 13 steals in 135 games last season. The 2023 Gold Glove winner posted an outs above average of plus-1 in right field, tying him for 45th among all outfielders.
Lucas Giolito, RHP, Boston Red Sox
Lucas Giolito. (James A. Pittman-Imagn Images)
Lucas Giolito enjoyed quite the bounce-back season after being traded and subsequently waived in 2023 and then missing all of 2024 due to UCL surgery. The 31-year-old posted a 3.41 ERA — his best since 2019 — in 145 innings over 26 starts. Giolito recorded 121 strikeouts and 56 walks with a 1.290 WHIP.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Rhys Hoskins. (Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)
Rhys Hoskins was limited to 90 games last season as he missed extended time with a thumb injury. The 32-year-old hit .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was tied for 11th among first basemen in outs above average at plus-1.
Tatsuya Imai, RHP, Japan
Tatsuya Imai. (Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Tatsuya Imai is one of several Japanese stars who were posted to free agency by Nippon Professional Baseball clubs. Imai, 29, put up a 3.15 ERA in 159 games over eight NPB seasons. The right-hander is coming off his best season, sporting a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts, 45 walks and a 0.892 WHIP in 163.2 innings over 24 games. He has until Jan. 2 to sign with an MLB team.
Kenley Jansen, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
Kenley Jansen. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
In his age-37 season, Kenley Jansen posted a sub-3.00 ERA (2.59) for the first time since 2021 and a sub-1.000 WHIP (0.949) for the first time since 2018. And the two-time Reliever of the Year converted 29 of 30 save chances. In 62 appearances, Jansen had 57 strikeouts and 19 walks across 59 innings.
Merrill Kelly, RHP, Texas Rangers
Merrill Kelly. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
Merrill Kelly, 37, was moved midseason from Arizona to Texas, finishing with a 3.52 ERA, 167 strikeouts, 48 walks and a 1.114 WHIP in 184 innings over 32 total starts. His numbers did dip following the trade, though, with a 4.23 ERA and 1.247 WHIP in 10 starts with the Rangers. Kelly was sidelined for an extended period due to a shoulder injury in 2024, when he made 13 starts.
Michael King, RHP, San Diego Padres
Michael King. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Michael King, like Cease, declined the qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres. The 30-year-old is coming off his second straight season as a full-time starter, though he was limited to 15 starts in 2025 due to injuries. King posted a 3.44 ERA across 73.1 innings with 76 strikeouts, 26 walks and a 1.200 WHIP. He had a 2.95 ERA, 201 strikeouts, 63 walks and a 1.192 WHIP across 173.2 innings in 2024.
Nick Martinez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Nick Martinez. (Sam Greene-Imagn Images)
Nick Martinez again split time between the rotation and bullpen in 2025, making 26 starts and 14 relief appearances. The 35-year-old saw his ERA rise from 3.10 in 2024 to 4.45 in 2025 and his WHIP go from 1.026 to 1.207. Martinez, who accepted the qualifying offer last offseason, struck out 116 hitters and walked 42 in a career-high 165.2 innings.
Munetaka Murakami, 3B/1B, Japan
Munetaka Murakami. (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
Munetaka Murakami, 25, has until Dec. 22 to sign with an MLB club. The left-handed slugger hit .270/.394/.557 with 246 home runs and 647 RBI in 892 games over eight NPB seasons. Injuries limited Murakami to 56 games last year, but he still hit 22 long balls with a 1.043 OPS.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, San Diego Padres
Ryan O’Hearn. (David Frerker-Imagn Images)
Ryan O’Hearn, 32, was an All-Star for the first time in the 2025 season, which saw him dealt from the Orioles to the Padres at the deadline. O’Hearn hit .281/.366/.437 in 144 total games while posting career highs in home runs (17) and RBI (63). He tied for fourth in outs above average at first base (plus-6), where logged 75 appearances.
Kazuma Okamoto, 3B/1B, Japan
Kazuma Okamoto. (Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports)
Kazuma Okamoto, 29, hit .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs and 717 RBI in 1,074 games over 11 NPB seasons. An elbow injury limited Okamoto to 69 games last season, when he hit .327/.416/.598 with 21 homers and 49 RBI. Okamoto has until Jan. 4 to sign with a team.
Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves
Marcell Ozuna. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Image)
After two straight seasons with a .900-plus OPS, Marcell Ozuna saw that figure dip to .756 in 2025. The 35-year-old slashed .232/.355/.400 with 21 homers and 68 RBI in 145 games. Ozuna had hit a combined 79 home runs in the previous two seasons.
Jorge Polanco, 3B/2B, Seattle Mariners
Jorge Polanco. (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)
Jorge Polanco rebounded from a down debut season with Seattle in which he tallied a .651 OPS. The 32-year-old hit .265/.326/.495 with 26 homers and 78 RBI in 138 games last season. Polanco, who was mostly used as a DH, had an outs above above average of minus-4 in the field.
J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies
J.T. Realmuto, 34, last season failed to record a .750-plus OPS for the first time in a decade. The three-time All-Star catcher hit .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI.
Tyler Rogers, RHP, New York Mets
Tyler Rogers. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)
Tyler Rogers tallied the fourth-most holds this past season with 32 as he split time between the San Francisco Giants and the Mets. The submarine pitcher recorded a 1.98 ERA in 77.1 innings over 81 total appearances. Rogers, who turns 35 in December, had 48 strikeouts, seven walks and a 0.944 WHIP.
Max Scherzer, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Max Scherzer. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
Max Scherzer, 41, posted a career-worst 5.19 ERA in 2025 while being limited to 17 starts due to a thumb injury. The three-time Cy Young winner had 82 strikeouts, 23 walks and a 1.294 WHIP in 86 innings. Opposing hitters put up an .810 OPS against Scherzer, the highest mark of his career. It was the second straight season that Scherzer missed extended time after making nine starts in 2024.
Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Seattle Mariners
Eugenio Suárez. (Steven Bisig-Imagn Images)
Eugenio Suárez last season made his first All-Star Game since 2018, matching his career high in homers (49) and driving in a personal-best 118 runs. The 34-year-old had an .897 OPS and 36 homers in 106 games with the D-backs, but dropped off to a .682 OPS and 13 homers in 53 games after a midseason move to the M’s. His outs above average of minus-5 ranked 32nd among third basemen.
Ranger Suárez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
In addition to Schwarber, Ranger Suárez also declined the qualifying offer from the Phillies. The 30-year-old southpaw posted a 3.20 ERA in 2025, his best in a season in which he made at least 20 starts. Suárez, who earned his first All-Star nod the season prior, logged 157.1 innings over 26 starts with 151 strikeouts, 38 walks and a 1.220 WHIP.
Robert Suarez, RHP, San Diego Padres
Robert Suarez. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Robert Suarez opted out of the remaining two years on his deal, which included a pair of $8 million player options. The 34-year-old, who made his MLB debut in 2022, earned his second straight All-Star nod in 2025. Suarez’s 40 saves, in 45 chances, ranked second in the majors. He tallied 70 total appearances, posting a 2.97 ERA with 75 strikeouts, 16 walks and a 0.904 WHIP across 69.2 innings.
Kona Takahashi, RHP, Japan
Kona Takahashi, like Okamoto, has until Jan. 4 to sign with an MLB team. The 28-year-old right-hander recorded a 3.39 ERA and 1.296 WHIP in 196 games over 11 NPB seasons. In 24 games last season, Takahashi had a 3.04 ERA, 88 strikeouts, 41 walks and a 1.230 WHIP across 148 innings.
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker. (Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)
Following an offseason trade from the Houston Astros, Kyle Tucker earned his fourth straight All-Star nod in 2025. The 28-year-old hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI and 25 stolen bases. But Tucker, a Gold Glove winner in 2022, tied for 70th among outfielders in outs above average at minus-2 while playing right field.
Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Framber Valdez. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Framber Valdez, 32, is the top left-hander in this free agent class. The two-time All-Star has made at least 28 starts and posted a sub-3.70 ERA in each of the last four seasons. He made 31 starts in 2025, posting a 3.66 ERA, 187 strikeouts, 68 walks and a 1.245 WHIP across 192 innings. His 20 quality starts last season tied for the seventh-most in the majors, and the southpaw has tossed eight complete games since 2022, good for the second-most over that span.
Justin Verlander, RHP, San Francisco Giants
Justin Verlander logged 29 starts in his age-42 season. The three-time Cy Young winner recorded a 3.85 ERA, 137 strikeouts, 52 walks and a 1.362 WHIP in 152 innings.
Luke Weaver, RHP, New York Yankees
Luke Weaver. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Luke Weaver was deployed as a full-time reliever for the second straight season in 2025. The 32-year-old recorded a 3.62 ERA, 72 strikeouts, 20 walks and a 1.021 WHIP in 64.2 innings over 64 appearances. Weaver converted eight of his 12 save chances.
Mike Yastrzemski, OF, Kansas City Royals
Mike Yastrzemski. (Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)
Mike Yastrzemski had a strong finish to 2025 following a midseason move from the San Francisco Giants to the Kansas City Royals. The 35-year-old arrived in Kansas City with eight homers, 28 RBI and a .685 OPS in 96 games, but he hit .237/.339/.500 with nine home runs and 18 RBI in 50 games with the Royals. Yastrzemski tied for 78th among outfielders in outs above average at minus-3 while mostly playing right field.
Editor’s note: This story was first published on Nov. 25.
MLB free agency is much more like a marathon than a sprint.
In leagues like the NBA and NFL, the start of free agency typically coincides with a flurry of activity.
But the activity in MLB free agency tends to be spread out over the course of the winter. Look no further than last offseason, when Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman didn’t strike deals until February.
So, with hot stove season underway, here’s an updated look at the best remaining MLB free agents (this list will be updated as free agents sign; players listed alphabetically by last name):
Luis Arráez, 1B, San Diego Padres
Luis Arráez. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Luis Arráez, 28, continued to be a singles machine in 2025, with 139 of his 181 hits being base hits. While the three-time batting champion didn’t record a .300-plus batting average for the first time since 2021, his .292 average still tied for 12th-best in the majors. And Arráez, who slashed .292/.327/.392 with eight homers, 61 RBI and 11 steals in 154 games, tied for the second-most hits in all of baseball. He had the lowest strikeout percentage in the majors (3.1%), but also tied for the 10th-worst walk percentage (5%). In the field, Arráez tied for third-worst among first basemen in outs above average at minus-7.
Harrison Bader, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Harrison Bader‘s age-31 campaign was the best offensive season of his career, as he split time between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. He posted career highs in hits (124), doubles (24), home runs (17), RBI (54) and OPS (.796) while slashing .277/.347/.449 across 146 games. Bader also tied for 18th among outfielders in outs above average (plus-7).
Chris Bassitt, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Chris Bassitt logged at least 30 starts for the fourth straight season. The 36-year-old recorded a 3.96 ERA, 166 strikeouts and 52 walks in 170.1 innings pitched over 31 starts and 32 total appearances. While Bassitt brought down his 1.462 WHIP from 2024, he still tied for ninth-worst in that category at 1.327.
Cody Bellinger, OF, New York Yankees
Cody Bellinger. (Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)
Cody Bellinger, 30, declined his $25 million player option following a strong debut season in the Bronx. The 2019 NL MVP hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 13 steals. Bellinger, who made his most appearances since 2019 with 152, tied for 18th among outfielders in outs above average (plus-7).
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Bo Bichette. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
Bo Bichette, 27, was back to his old self at the dish following a 2024 season where he posted a .598 OPS while being limited to 81 games due to injuries. The two-time All-Star hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 homers and 94 RBI in 139 games. He tied for the second-most hits (181) and second-best batting average in the majors, while also tallying the second-most doubles (44). Bichette, however, tied for last among shortstops in outs above average at minus-13. Bichette declined the qualifying offer from Toronto.
Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Bregman opted out of two years and $80 million remaining on the deal he signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason. The 31-year-old is coming off his first All-Star campaign since 2019, hitting .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in 114 games. Bregman, who missed extended time with a quad injury, tied for ninth among third baseman in outs above average at plus-3.
Pete Fairbanks, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Pete Fairbanks. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays declined a $7 million club option on Pete Fairbanks, allowing the right-hander to hit the open market. Fairbanks, who turns 32 in December, logged career highs in appearances (61), innings (60.1) and saves (27 in 32 chances) last season. He had a 2.83 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.044 WHIP.
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen. (Joe Rondone-Imagn Images)
Zac Gallen, who declined the qualifying offer, hit free agency on the heels of a subpar 2025 campaign. The 30-year-old hadn’t recorded an ERA higher than 3.65 since 2021, but saw that figure balloon to 4.83 across 192 innings last season. In 33 starts, Gallen posted 175 strikeouts, 66 walks and a 1.260 WHIP. He tied for the fourth-most homers allowed among all pitchers with 31.
Adolis García, OF, Texas Rangers
Adolis García. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
The Texas Rangersdidn’t tenderAdolis García, 32, a contract, allowing the 2023 ALCS MVP to hit free agency. After hitting 39 homers with an .836 OPS in Texas’ 2023 championship campaign, García has recorded two consecutive sub-.700 OPS seasons at the dish. He hit .227/.271/.394 with 19 home runs, 75 RBI and 13 steals in 135 games last season. The 2023 Gold Glove winner posted an outs above average of plus-1 in right field, tying him for 45th among all outfielders.
Lucas Giolito, RHP, Boston Red Sox
Lucas Giolito. (James A. Pittman-Imagn Images)
Lucas Giolito enjoyed quite the bounce-back season after being traded and subsequently waived in 2023 and then missing all of 2024 due to UCL surgery. The 31-year-old posted a 3.41 ERA — his best since 2019 — in 145 innings over 26 starts. Giolito recorded 121 strikeouts and 56 walks with a 1.290 WHIP.
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Rhys Hoskins. (Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)
Rhys Hoskins was limited to 90 games last season as he missed extended time with a thumb injury. The 32-year-old hit .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI. He was tied for 11th among first basemen in outs above average at plus-1.
Tatsuya Imai, RHP, Japan
Tatsuya Imai. (Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Tatsuya Imai is one of several Japanese stars who were posted to free agency by Nippon Professional Baseball clubs. Imai, 29, put up a 3.15 ERA in 159 games over eight NPB seasons. The right-hander is coming off his best season, sporting a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts, 45 walks and a 0.892 WHIP in 163.2 innings over 24 games. He has until Jan. 2 to sign with an MLB team.
Kenley Jansen, RHP, Los Angeles Angels
Kenley Jansen. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
In his age-37 season, Kenley Jansen posted a sub-3.00 ERA (2.59) for the first time since 2021 and a sub-1.000 WHIP (0.949) for the first time since 2018. And the two-time Reliever of the Year converted 29 of 30 save chances. In 62 appearances, Jansen had 57 strikeouts and 19 walks across 59 innings.
Merrill Kelly, RHP, Texas Rangers
Merrill Kelly. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
Merrill Kelly, 37, was moved midseason from Arizona to Texas, finishing with a 3.52 ERA, 167 strikeouts, 48 walks and a 1.114 WHIP in 184 innings over 32 total starts. His numbers did dip following the trade, though, with a 4.23 ERA and 1.247 WHIP in 10 starts with the Rangers. Kelly was sidelined for an extended period due to a shoulder injury in 2024, when he made 13 starts.
Michael King, RHP, San Diego Padres
Michael King. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Michael King, like Cease, declined the qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres. The 30-year-old is coming off his second straight season as a full-time starter, though he was limited to 15 starts in 2025 due to injuries. King posted a 3.44 ERA across 73.1 innings with 76 strikeouts, 26 walks and a 1.200 WHIP. He had a 2.95 ERA, 201 strikeouts, 63 walks and a 1.192 WHIP across 173.2 innings in 2024.
Nick Martinez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
Nick Martinez. (Sam Greene-Imagn Images)
Nick Martinez again split time between the rotation and bullpen in 2025, making 26 starts and 14 relief appearances. The 35-year-old saw his ERA rise from 3.10 in 2024 to 4.45 in 2025 and his WHIP go from 1.026 to 1.207. Martinez, who accepted the qualifying offer last offseason, struck out 116 hitters and walked 42 in a career-high 165.2 innings.
Munetaka Murakami, 3B/1B, Japan
Munetaka Murakami. (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
Munetaka Murakami, 25, has until Dec. 22 to sign with an MLB club. The left-handed slugger hit .270/.394/.557 with 246 home runs and 647 RBI in 892 games over eight NPB seasons. Injuries limited Murakami to 56 games last year, but he still hit 22 long balls with a 1.043 OPS.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, San Diego Padres
Ryan O’Hearn. (David Frerker-Imagn Images)
Ryan O’Hearn, 32, was an All-Star for the first time in the 2025 season, which saw him dealt from the Orioles to the Padres at the deadline. O’Hearn hit .281/.366/.437 in 144 total games while posting career highs in home runs (17) and RBI (63). He tied for fourth in outs above average at first base (plus-6), where logged 75 appearances.
Kazuma Okamoto, 3B/1B, Japan
Kazuma Okamoto. (Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports)
Kazuma Okamoto, 29, hit .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs and 717 RBI in 1,074 games over 11 NPB seasons. An elbow injury limited Okamoto to 69 games last season, when he hit .327/.416/.598 with 21 homers and 49 RBI. Okamoto has until Jan. 4 to sign with a team.
Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves
Marcell Ozuna. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Image)
After two straight seasons with a .900-plus OPS, Marcell Ozuna saw that figure dip to .756 in 2025. The 35-year-old slashed .232/.355/.400 with 21 homers and 68 RBI in 145 games. Ozuna had hit a combined 79 home runs in the previous two seasons.
Jorge Polanco, 3B/2B, Seattle Mariners
Jorge Polanco. (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)
Jorge Polanco rebounded from a down debut season with Seattle in which he tallied a .651 OPS. The 32-year-old hit .265/.326/.495 with 26 homers and 78 RBI in 138 games last season. Polanco, who was mostly used as a DH, had an outs above above average of minus-4 in the field.
J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies
J.T. Realmuto, 34, last season failed to record a .750-plus OPS for the first time in a decade. The three-time All-Star catcher hit .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI.
Tyler Rogers, RHP, New York Mets
Tyler Rogers. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)
Tyler Rogers tallied the fourth-most holds this past season with 32 as he split time between the San Francisco Giants and the Mets. The submarine pitcher recorded a 1.98 ERA in 77.1 innings over 81 total appearances. Rogers, who turns 35 in December, had 48 strikeouts, seven walks and a 0.944 WHIP.
Max Scherzer, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
Max Scherzer. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
Max Scherzer, 41, posted a career-worst 5.19 ERA in 2025 while being limited to 17 starts due to a thumb injury. The three-time Cy Young winner had 82 strikeouts, 23 walks and a 1.294 WHIP in 86 innings. Opposing hitters put up an .810 OPS against Scherzer, the highest mark of his career. It was the second straight season that Scherzer missed extended time after making nine starts in 2024.
Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Seattle Mariners
Eugenio Suárez. (Steven Bisig-Imagn Images)
Eugenio Suárez last season made his first All-Star Game since 2018, matching his career high in homers (49) and driving in a personal-best 118 runs. The 34-year-old had an .897 OPS and 36 homers in 106 games with the D-backs, but dropped off to a .682 OPS and 13 homers in 53 games after a midseason move to the M’s. His outs above average of minus-5 ranked 32nd among third basemen.
Ranger Suárez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies
In addition to Schwarber, Ranger Suárez also declined the qualifying offer from the Phillies. The 30-year-old southpaw posted a 3.20 ERA in 2025, his best in a season in which he made at least 20 starts. Suárez, who earned his first All-Star nod the season prior, logged 157.1 innings over 26 starts with 151 strikeouts, 38 walks and a 1.220 WHIP.
Robert Suarez, RHP, San Diego Padres
Robert Suarez. (Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Robert Suarez opted out of the remaining two years on his deal, which included a pair of $8 million player options. The 34-year-old, who made his MLB debut in 2022, earned his second straight All-Star nod in 2025. Suarez’s 40 saves, in 45 chances, ranked second in the majors. He tallied 70 total appearances, posting a 2.97 ERA with 75 strikeouts, 16 walks and a 0.904 WHIP across 69.2 innings.
Kona Takahashi, RHP, Japan
Kona Takahashi, like Okamoto, has until Jan. 4 to sign with an MLB team. The 28-year-old right-hander recorded a 3.39 ERA and 1.296 WHIP in 196 games over 11 NPB seasons. In 24 games last season, Takahashi had a 3.04 ERA, 88 strikeouts, 41 walks and a 1.230 WHIP across 148 innings.
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker. (Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)
Following an offseason trade from the Houston Astros, Kyle Tucker earned his fourth straight All-Star nod in 2025. The 28-year-old hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI and 25 stolen bases. But Tucker, a Gold Glove winner in 2022, tied for 70th among outfielders in outs above average at minus-2 while playing right field.
Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Framber Valdez. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Framber Valdez, 32, is the top left-hander in this free agent class. The two-time All-Star has made at least 28 starts and posted a sub-3.70 ERA in each of the last four seasons. He made 31 starts in 2025, posting a 3.66 ERA, 187 strikeouts, 68 walks and a 1.245 WHIP across 192 innings. His 20 quality starts last season tied for the seventh-most in the majors, and the southpaw has tossed eight complete games since 2022, good for the second-most over that span.
Justin Verlander, RHP, San Francisco Giants
Justin Verlander logged 29 starts in his age-42 season. The three-time Cy Young winner recorded a 3.85 ERA, 137 strikeouts, 52 walks and a 1.362 WHIP in 152 innings.
Luke Weaver, RHP, New York Yankees
Luke Weaver. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Luke Weaver was deployed as a full-time reliever for the second straight season in 2025. The 32-year-old recorded a 3.62 ERA, 72 strikeouts, 20 walks and a 1.021 WHIP in 64.2 innings over 64 appearances. Weaver converted eight of his 12 save chances.
Mike Yastrzemski, OF, Kansas City Royals
Mike Yastrzemski. (Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images)
Mike Yastrzemski had a strong finish to 2025 following a midseason move from the San Francisco Giants to the Kansas City Royals. The 35-year-old arrived in Kansas City with eight homers, 28 RBI and a .685 OPS in 96 games, but he hit .237/.339/.500 with nine home runs and 18 RBI in 50 games with the Royals. Yastrzemski tied for 78th among outfielders in outs above average at minus-3 while mostly playing right field.
Editor’s note: This story was first published on Nov. 25.
For the second straight week, Nikola Jokic is the odds leader for MVP, but I'm headed in a different direction. Victor Wembanyama and Alperen Sengun saw the biggest shift in odds, while Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham continue to play at elite levels, keeping their names in the hat.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+190)
Points Per Game: 32.2 (3rd) Assists Per Game: 6.6 (16th) Rebounds Per Game: 4.9 RPG (94th)
In 11 out of 18 games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played 30 or fewer minutes, including six of the past seven games. Despite the lower minute output, SGA has a 32.7% usage rate, which ranks the fifth-highest. A great examine if how dominant SGA has been, he scored 31 points in 30 minutes on 9-of-14 field goals, three-of-three from deep, and 10-of-12 free-throws. Not many players can be that efficient and it's one of the many reasons why SGA is regarded as the best bucket-getter on the planet — and his team is an NBA-best 17-1.
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+130)
Points Per Game: 29.6 (6th) Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd) Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
In November, Nikola Jokic has six triple doubles over 12 games and 11 consecutive performances of 26 or more points until last night! Denver is 13-4 after going 3-2 over the past five games, but still good enough for the second-best record in the West behind the Thunder and third overall (OKC, DET).
Jokic has been the odds on leader for MVP two weeks now, but I still sit him at No. 2. The team success for Oklahoma City (17-1 record) has been more impressive with a target on their backs, but if Jokic finds a way to elevate his game — I may come around to The Joker being No. 1.
3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+400)
Points Per Game: 34.5 (1st) Assists Per Game: 8.9 (4th) Rebounds Per Game: 8.8 (18th)
Luka Doncic did not see his odds shift a single cent over the past week. It wasn't his scoring though, because Doncic has been on fire. In the past four games, Doncic has scored 24, 41, 37, and 33 points with three double-doubles. Doncic has had a turnover and efficiency problem.
In those four games, Doncic has 20 total turnovers and shot 50% from the floor once in that span. He's attempted 41 triples as well, nailing 13 of them (31.7%). With LeBron James back in the mix, the cohesion of the Lakers offense will look a little different, so Doncic's odds may not change much in the next month, if anything, drop back to +500 or +600.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+5000)
Points Per Game: 27.1 (14th) Rebounds Per Game: 6.0 (T-55th) Assists Per Game: 9.6 (2nd)
Detroit has now won 13 straight games and owns the best record in the East and second-best in the NBA! Cade Cunningham has been the driving force for the Pistons as he's played in 10 of those 13 games.
Cunningham scored at least 30 points in five of those 10 and double-doubled in eight with one triple double. He's on a tear and with Boston, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Milwaukee in the next five games — Detroit will be tested with some of the best competition in the Eastern Conference outside of Cleveland or New York.
5. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+4000)
Points Per Game: 33.0 (2nd) Rebounds Per Game: 4.6 (T-106th) Assists Per Game: 7.8 (6th)
Tyrese Maxey continued his reign of terror on opposing defenses by dropping 54 points on the Bucks in a 123-114 OT win. Maxey put up 30 field goal attempts, making 18 of them (60%), to go along with 12 made free-throws and 6-of-15 from three (40%).
Maxey is a walking bucket and is currently averaging 32.0 points per game in 11 November games. Maxey scored at least 30 points in six of those contests, but the 76ers are 5-6 in that span. Despite Philadelphia's losses stacking up, Maxey's MVP odds continue to shorten.
Stock Up
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+130)
Points Per Game: 29.6 (6th) Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd) Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
Nikola Jokic has now held strong as the MVP favorite in terms of odds for two weeks, but I still prefer SGA. However, Jokic ranks top six in points, rebounds, and assists so far on 62/41/85 shooting splits. Jokic has put together 44 and 55-point efforts over the last six games and 11 consecutive performances of 26 or more points.
Stock Down
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (+10000)
Points Per Game: 26.2 (14th) Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd) Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)
Alperen Sengun went from +8000 to +20000 over the past week, but that wasn't the biggest drop in stock — that was Victor Wembanyama. Amid his injury news, Wemby went from +750, meaning $10 wins $75, to +10000, $10 wins $1,000!
With concerns of Wembanyama hitting the league minimum of 65 games played to win an award. He's only missed four games so far, but Wembanyama could miss multiple weeks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (+1600)
Points Per Game: 31.2 (4th) Rebounds Per Game: 10.8 (8th) Assists Per Game: 6.8 (14th)
Giannis Antetokounmpo shifted from +900 to +1600 as he missed the past three games after suffering a low-grade left groin strain. He was expected to miss 1-2 weeks and already missed one. Through 13 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging the most points (31.2), assists (6.8), and highest field goal percentage (62.9%) of his career this season. If he misses another week, there won't be many more he can miss in order to win MVP.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
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NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
The great debate for the Philadelphia Flyers so far this season has been whether or not star sophomore forward Matvei Michkov is getting a fair shake under new head coach Rick Tocchet and being put into positions to truly succeed.
Virtually every young draft pick, like Michkov, has to spend time learning the ropes during their rookie season. That is why it wasn't a real surprise to see the 20-year-old Russian finish the 2024-25 season averaging 16:41 a game.
This season, though, under Tocchet, that number has plummeted nearly two full minutes down to 14:53, and, as a result, Michkov's offensive production has suffered.
With five goals, five assists, and 10 points in 21 games, Michkov is on pace for a measly 20-goal, 40-point season.
That said, though, despite a 33% regression from Michkov, Tocchet still has his supporters who believe the Flyers' franchise player hasn't earned further opportunities.
For example, former NHLer Colby Cohen argued for Daily Faceoff that, because Michkov doesn't kill penalties, "he's never going a 20-minutes-a-night guy."
The argument is inherently flawed, as Michkov has already been and succeeded as a 20-minute player for the Flyers this same calendar year.
In the nine games that remained after John Tortorella was fired by the Flyers, Michkov played 20 or more minutes five times, excluding a game that he finished at 19:59.
The Russian phenom had two goals and an assist in two of those games, and recorded a point in three of the five. Overall, over the final stretch of the ill-fated 2024-25 season, Michkov finished with six goals, six assists, and 12 points in nine games.
Now, he has 10 in 21. How does that happen?
Simply put, Michkov just needs to play, and the Flyers need to put in as much effort into finding a line combination that works for him as they do with Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster; the latter has been pigeonholed into a checking role despite his own offensive talents.
Nikita Kucherov, in his second full NHL season, was averaging 18:13 a night. Jack Hughes, 19:04. Trevor Zegras, 18:50. Lucas Raymond, 17:23.
And, while Raymond's ice time did actually decrease from Year 1 to Year 2, he still played more on average than Michkov ever has in his NHL career.
Directly counter to Cohen's argument, the best way to learn is sometimes by doing and not by watching.
Stifling Michkov's offensive creativity by making him forecheck as an F1 on a 6-on-5, or by putting him with grinders on 6-on-5, isn't going to help, either.
This is the Flyers' franchise player we're talking about, after all, and to dismiss the concerns and observations of desperate fans is to be disingenuous at best.
When you think about the Mets' offseason and what the team will look like at the start of the 2026 campaign, there are a few things that immediately come to mind.
Another is the free agency of Pete Alonso, who could return but whose power would have to be replaced externally if he signs elsewhere.
Then there's the starting rotation, which will very likely be bolstered in a big way -- with a trade for a top-of-the-rotation arm seeming likely.
Regarding the bullpen?
What the relief corps looks like in 2026 will have a lot to do with Edwin Diaz, who -- like Alonso -- is a free agent the Mets would like to bring back.
As New York goes about rebuilding the bullpen, here's how things are shaking out...
The Locks
Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter. That's it.
And Minter, who missed most of last season after surgery to repair a torn lat, will likely be a few weeks behind to start the season.
Apr 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Mets pitcher A.J. Minter (33) reacts during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto -- who were all acquired at last season's trade deadline -- are free agents.
Ryne Stanek is also a free agent, and Drew Smith's option for 2026 was declined. Smith had been working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Meanwhile, Reed Garrett and Dedniel Núñez are both expected to miss the entire season after undergoing TJS.
Raley and Minter are both legitimate late-game weapons, and Raley was tremendous in 2025 after returning from his own Tommy John surgery. In 30 appearances over 25.2 innings, he posted a 2.45 ERA (2.12 FIP) and 0.77 WHIP.
The Internal Candidates
Huascar Brazoban figures to be in the mix again, and hard-throwing prospect Dylan Ross could also be a factor.
Other relievers who could compete for roles include Jonathan Pintaro (who made his big league debut last season), Adbert Alzolay (who is on a two-year minor league deal and missed the 2025 season), Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell, Richard Lovelady, Alex Carrillo, and Joey Gerber.
But in an eight-man bullpen that has only two locks as of now (and perhaps just one if Minter is delayed), it's fair to believe the Mets will only rely on one or perhaps two of the aforementioned internal candidates out of the gate.
That means there is tons of work to do.
The External Candidates
I've said it a bunch of times this offseason, and I'll say it again: re-signing Diaz should be the easiest move the Mets make all offseason.
Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) enters the field during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images
Will Sammon of The Athletic recently reported that contract length is currently a "sticking point" between the Mets and Diaz, with New York possibly hoping to keep a potential deal to three years and Diaz wanting five.
To me, that reads like an easy compromise should be doable -- offer Diaz four years at right around the same average annual value he was making before he opted out of the final two years of his deal. That would mean a contract worth roughly $80 million.
If another team offers Diaz five years at $100 million or more, it could be understandable for the Mets to not match it. But not going to four years if necessary would be strange, especially considering that the alternative closing options will all almost certainly get multiyear deals.
One of them is Devin Williams, who -- like Diaz -- was born in 1994. Despite Williams having a relatively down campaign in 2025, his stuff remains elite. Per multiple reports, the Mets have already expressed interest in Williams.
Another option is Robert Suarez, who is entering his age-35 season and has a scintillating fastball. Like Williams, the Mets have reportedly shown interest in Suarez.
There's also Pete Fairbanks, who is entering his age-32 season and has been one of the best relievers in baseball since 2020. He's on the market after his option was declined by the cost-conscious Rays.
In an ideal world, the Mets would re-sign Diaz and add one of the above three pitchers as a setup man. But that could be easier said than done, especially if all three have options to close elsewhere.
Other intriguing relief arms on the market include Kenley Jansen, Emilio Pagan, Luke Weaver, and Kyle Finnegan. In the case of Jansen, it's possible he would want to close since he's chasing the 500 save mark.
The Sixers made several midday injury status changes Tuesday before their meeting with the Magic.
The team downgraded Joel Embiid (right knee injury management) and Paul George (right ankle sprain) to out. Tyrese Maxey was upgraded from probable with a right shoulder sprain to available.
“I think we’ve just got to continue to grow his time on the floor,” Nurse said Monday. “The minutes restriction thing has to grow. Hopefully, it keeps heading in the right direction. … I think he’s moving good and the opportunity to get him going and get him some shots is going to be important. … I think conditioning and more minutes and all that stuff just takes a bit of time.”
On top of Embiid and George, the Sixers won’t have VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Adem Bona (right ankle sprain) vs. the Magic.
Raphielle Johnson
